Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

A selective list of online literary criticism and analysis for the nineteenth-century American novelist, poet, and writer of tales Nathaniel Hawthorne, with links to reliable biographical and introductory material and signed, peer-reviewed, and scholarly literary criticism

Introduction & Biography

"Hawthorne." Interactive exhibition of papers, rare books, artwork, and other objects relating to Nathaniel Hawthorne, from the Peabody Exter Museum, a major archive of primary materials for Hawthorne.

"Hawthorne in Salem." Biographical information, historical context for his writing, discussions of his works. Also "Scholars' Forum." A collection of lectures and articles by authorities on Hawthorne, including Rita K. Gollin's, "Figurations of Salem in 'Young Goodman Brown' and 'The Custom-House.'" Hawthorne in Salem, a National Endowment for the Humanities grant site.

Daly, Robert.
"Nathaniel Hawthorne."Literary Encyclopedia. Eds. Robert Clark, Emory Elliott, Janet Todd. An introduction to Hawthorne, from a database that provides signed literary criticism by experts in their field, and is available to individuals for a reasonably-priced subscription [subscription service].

Korobkin, Laura Hanft. "The Scarlet Letter of the Law: Hawthorne and Criminal Justice." Korobkin discusses inaccuracies in Hawthorne's portrayal of Puritan law in The Scarlet Letter : "What has not been adequately explored is this most legal of novels is Hawthorne's ahistorical imaging of the machinery of Puritan criminal law." Novel: A Forum on Fiction 30, 2 (Winter 1997) pp 192-217 [preview or purchase at jstor].

"Brook Farm." On the history of the utopian community Brook Farm, its founder, the Unitarian minister George Ripley, and other Unitarian members of the community. From the Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage Society. Also Brook Farm Historic Site, West Roxbury, on the history and current status of the property. From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Puritans & Salem Witch Trials

Puritanism in New England and The Salem Witch Trials. American Studies Prof. Donna Campbell outlines the beliefs and writing style of the early American Puritans, background and reasons for the Salem Witch Trials, and suggests books for further study.